When Should You Get A Riding Mower? Follow These Suggestions

Riding mowers have become more popular in recent years. They’re more affordable than they’ve ever been (though they’re still fairly expensive compared to traditional mowers), and they get the job done quickly. However, they’re not the best machine for every homeowner.

You should get a riding mower if you have a large yard, back problems, or you want an easier method of mowing. Riding mowers are more expensive to purchase and repair, but most homeowners find that they’re worth the investment. However, those with small yards and sharp turns shouldn’t get one.

Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the following information about when and why you should get a riding mower:

• Different situations in which a riding mower is worth the investment
• Quick comparisons between riding mowers and push mowers
• Whether or not it’s time to get one for your yard

Is It Time For A Riding Mower?

The question of when to get a riding mower comes down to the size of your property and your budget. Whether you have a massive lawn or a small yard, you’ll need a good mower that effectively and efficiently gets the work done.

While the typical push mowers are definitely less costly and consume less gas, they require more effort to operate than a riding mower when dealing with an acre or more of the lawn.

Homeowners often wonder if investing in a riding mower is worth it.

The following are various factors to consider before getting a riding mower.

●     How big is your yard

Consider the size of your yard to find the best mower. Riding mowers are more suitable for medium or large lawns with a decent amount of space. Most models mow a 30 to 50-inch area and can mulch and bag side discharge clippings.

Steering a riding mower across your large lawn is easy because they use wheels like a car. It would be hectic and time-consuming to push a walk-behind mower along, even if it’s a self-propelled model. You’d still be required to walk behind it and guide it across your lawn.

Driving a riding mower is less daunting and quicker when dealing with a lawn that’s more than an acre since the rider will not feel the fatigue that a walk-behind operator will.

A riding mower can also plow through thick grass, weedy patches, damp grass, or an overgrown lawn effortlessly.

It’s also important to know how often you’ll need to cut the grass. This will help you determine the right mower for you.

• Are you looking for comfort?

The Husqvarna Tractor Seat Cover works for most riding mowers, but make sure it fits your size before you get it. It has a small pouch on the back for tools. Most importantly, it’s cushioned to keep you comfortable for the duration that you’re riding the mower.

There’s no doubt that riding mowers are more comfortable than having to walk behind a push mower. With this seat cover, or any other, you’ll be mowing comfortably for many years to come.

●    Are you ready for the investment

It’s essential to consider your budget when looking for a mower. If you are looking for an affordable option, a push mower would be the best bet. 

Riding mowers aren’t cheap, and they vary on prices depending on the brand and extra features you need. Riding mowers are generally more of an investment as compared to walk-behind mowers, especially if it’s for commercial use or for landowners.

Many buyers believe that this is a worthy investment since a riding mower allows them to tackle the chore of mowing the grass quicker and with less effort.

●     Do you have enough room to take wide turns on the lawn?

Another factor to consider is if the area of your property has enough room for your rider to take wide turns. In instances where your lawn has an intricate garden, tight spaces, or sharp corners, a riding mower isn’t the best alternative, getting a push or a self-propelled mower is ideal.

A zero-turn-radius (ZTR) or a lawn tractor with an automatic or hydrostatic transmission is a beneficial option for landowners who may need to maneuver around multiple obstacles.

●     What other landscaping features will my mower have to navigate?

Trees, shrubs, flowerbeds, and birdbaths are among the elements that make your lawn appealing, but they become obstacles when mowing. Rear engine riding mowers tend to fit through narrow spaces.

For a sloped landscape and hilly yards, consider a front mower equipped with stability and strength to maintain balance and smooth operation.

How Do Riding Mowers Differ From Traditional Mowers? 

They’re much easier to use once you get the hang of it

Operating a lawn tractor is more user-friendly because it works more like a car. Additionally, lawn tractors can be fitted with a variety of accessories like carts, ATV snow plows, leaf mulchers, spreaders, and various other gardening attachments.

Furthermore, riding mowers are more comfortable to use on large lawns than traditional push or self-propelled mowers.

They typically require more fuel to run them

A simple push mower will consume less gas as compared to a riding mower and a self-propelled mower. The latter requires a considerable amount of gas to run it. Consumer Reports shows that the oil, blades, and gasoline can add up quite a bit

They’re far more expensive, and repairs cost more

Riding mowers are expensive both in terms of cost and maintenance as compared to traditional mowers. A less complicated machine has fewer parts and systems to maintain and repair. The good news is that riding mowers last for a long time.

The tires can ride uphill much smoother

Riding mowers are best for hills, but they can be quite frightening for steep lawns. This isn’t recommended because it can tip over due to gravity.

A riding mower has more weight and hence more momentum to push through difficult areas like uphill where you may tire when using a traditional push mower.

As stated by AHS, riding mowers are much more powerful than other mowers.

They’re optimal for large yards

For a lawn that is an acre or more, your human operator may tire, but a riding mower keeps chugging in a relatively straight line.

You can choose from having a lawn tractor and a zero-turn radius mower. They both offer speed, performance, and efficiency.

Are Riding Mowers Worth It?

If you have a large yard, back problems, or limited time to mow the lawn, then yes; A riding mower saves on time when dealing with an expansive area.

The more expensive models are modified to be as comfortable as a car with extras like cup holders and cruise control. If you have back problems, a riding mower is the best choice for you as you’ll be seated throughout when mowing.

If you have budget concerns or a small yard, then no. According to Best of Machinery, a riding mower seems like a comfortable choice but not always an economic or practical one, especially if your lawn isn’t large.

A push mower or a self-propelled mower would be ideal if you are working on a low budget. A self-propelled mower requires almost no muscle and can make work easier on an average lawn.

If you have an expansive flat lawn or gently sloping lawn, then yes; Riding mowers work best on flat lawns or gently sloping ones.

Steep drops are risky when using riders since it’s weight will create momentum downhill, which is dangerous as the rider might tip over.

Final Thoughts

Riding mowers are here to stay. They’re easier to repair than a car, so if you have automotive experience, then you’ll be just fine with one. You’ll also love how quickly they get the job done.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the post:

• If you have the budget, riding mowers are worth it for medium and big yards.
• Don’t get a riding mower if you have a small yard with lots of features.
• Those with back issues will find comfort with a riding mower.
• If you have lots of land, then they should be at the top of your list.
• Riding mowers cost more money to purchase and repair than traditional lawn mowers.